MH vs PC and tridacnas

[Pyrrhus]

Dr. Ron I am hearing so many opinions on keeping clams in smaller aquariums that it is hard to sort through them all and find useful info as many are just peoples opinions. I currently have a blue tridacna maxima in a 10g AGA with a 96w powerquad over the tank about 14in below the fixture will this light be sufficient for my clam to thrive? my understanding is that MH is only necessary to penetrate in a deeper body of water. Any clearing up of this issue would be appreciated. (I do understand that the stability of a system my size is a major concern) Thank you in advance...Pyrrhus

[rshimek]

Hi,

[welcome]

The two things the clam needs are light and food. For small clams, the latter is far more important. Until they get about 4-6 inches long, they don't have the mantle volume to contain sufficient zoox to provide sugars for food. So... a lot of green water will help keep it going.

In a very small tank such as yours, the illumination from the PC should be sufficient, provided all other factors are okay.